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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - Dental Services.

Mary Harney

Question:

97 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the long waiting list for dental treatment of medical card holders in the age range 35 to 64 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12270/97]

Limerick East): Under the dental treatment services scheme which was introduced by my Department on 1 November 1994 dental treatment will be extended to all adults with medical card eligibility on a phased basis.

In the initial phase of the scheme, which commenced on 1 November 1994, emergency dental treatment was made available to all adults. Routine dental treatment and priority full denture treatment was made available to persons 65 years of age or older.

Under the second phase of the scheme, which commenced on 1 June 1996, routine dental treatment was extended to persons in the 16-34 year age group and full denture treatment was extended to all edentulous persons.

Routine treatment will be extended to persons in the 35 to 64 year age group at a later stage and will be considered in the context of the funds available to me for the development of dental services.

All health boards also operate a priority waiting list for dental treatment for medically compromised persons who are given priority, irrespective of ages on production of a letter from their general medical practitioner.

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